Walmart appoints new health and wellness leader

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart has named a new chief for its health and wellness unit as part of a revamp of its merchandising organization and leadership.

In a company memo released Monday, Walmart said Duncan MacNaughton has been appointed executive vice president of consumables, health and wellness, and Walmart.com.

Mac Naughton joined the company about a year ago as chief merchandising officer for Walmart Canada after leaving Supervalu Inc., where he was executive vice president of merchandising and marketing and had been tabbed to lead the company's new health and wellness division. With more than 25 years of experience in retail and consumer packaged goods, Mac Naughton also has held leadership roles at Kraft Foods Inc., H.E. Butt Grocery Co. and Albertson's Inc.

Walmart also realigned the team within Mac Naughton's oversight. Scott Huff was named senior vice president of consumables. Also, John Agwunobi serves as president and senior president of health and wellness, and Scott McCall is senior vice president of health and wellness merchandising, reporting to Agwunobi. Senior vice president Steve Nave takes over Walmart.com. In addition, Phillip Freehling has been appointed senior director of planning, pricing and modular development for Mac Naughton's group.

Besides changes in the health and wellness and consumables unit, Walmart said John Westling continues as executive vice president of general merchandise and replenishment, a post he assumed in July right after Simon's appointment. Similarly, Jack Sinclair remains executive vice president of food.

Meanwhile, Andy Barron has been promoted to executive vice president of softlines. He previously served as senior vice president of store merchandise execution

"These four veteran merchants and their teams know how to create excitement in our merchandise mix," Simon stated in the memo to all Walmart U.S. associates. "They have a passion for merchandising and growing sales. For now, they will report to me, allowing me to stay close as they thoughtfully look at our merchandising opportunities."

In the memo, Simon also announced a series of other personnel moves in such areas as food and grocery, general merchandise and softlines.

"The team is in place. It's time to deliver for our customers," Simon commented. "With the holidays approaching fast, we are ready."